Thrones S4 Finale: Can You Stand the Wait?

Game of Thrones showrunners say tonight’s season finale (SoHo, 8.30) will be “cruel” and “terrifying” (links contain spoilers).

“It didn’t seem possible, but Game of Thrones has unleashed an episode that may rival The Red Weddingas among its most-talked about ever,” The Hollywood Reporter predicts.

Deadline Hollywood said the US Father’s Day timing of the finale could not have been more perfect.

“In a packed episode of family relations revelations, the carcasses and other remnants of battle, dragon realpolitik, lovers’ betrayals and destinies revealed, a long festering father and son confrontation finally came to a fatal end.”

Thrones has now overtaken The Sopranosas HBO’s most popular drama series, drawing more than 18 million viewers, and SoHo viewership has jumped, too — although Sky won’t provide ratings for the channel’s biggest drawcard.

In a statement, Sky’s director of entertainment content, Travis Dunbar, said: “HBO continues to raise the bar with Game of Thrones and season four has been a juggernaut as expected, with our SoHo viewership reflecting the strong growth HBO has experienced for the hit franchise internationally.

“We have seen considerable growth this year as our viewers have relived the excitement of the first three seasons on our dedicated Game of Thrones pop-up channel, as well as through our premiere episodes of season four.”

Meanwhile, The Guardian reports Thrones’ success has HBO’s rivals rushing to catch up with a slew of imitators.